The amazing Perth link to royal bub

Prince Harry and Meghan to keep baby plans private

The West Australian

VideoPrince Harry and Meghan have decided to keep the plans around the arrival of their first child private, Buckingham Palace said on Thursday. Mia Womersley reports

One of the most important figures in the royal household and the doctor who could be called upon to help deliver the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s baby in coming weeks was trained in WA by two respected Perth surgeons, The Weekend West can reveal.

Alan Farthing, the surgeon-gynaecologist to the royal household who was at the birth of the Duchess of Cambridge’s children including future king Prince George, has strong links to Perth after spending at least a year training at King Edward Memorial Hospital under the mentorship and expertise of top WA gynaecological surgeons Ian Hammond and the late Tony McCartney in the 1990s.

Camera IconMeghan, Duchess of Sussex, visits The National Theatre on January 30. Credit: Getty Images

Dr Farthing has since had a long association as a consultant gynaecologist with St Mary’s Hospital in London which remains a significant part of the Windsor family tradition and the place where Princes Harry and William were welcomed into the world.

The English surgeon was present at the births of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis there.

All the while, he has kept in close contact with the friends he made in Perth during his fellowship, including the family of Dr McCartney who died in 2011 aged 70 after a short battle with liver cancer.

Dr McCartney was WA’s first gynaecological cancer specialist and invented a device known as the McCartney tube, which simplified keyhole hysterectomies and made them safer.

Dr Farthing then took that knowledge to London where he became a pioneer in keyhole surgery techniques.

“For two decades, two of the best gynaecological surgeons — Ian and Tony — have trained some of the top gynaecologists in the world including Alan Farthing,” Michael Gannon, one of WA’s leading obstetricians, said yesterday.

“Alan Farthing is a great man and a great doctor.

“His role in England is a prestigious appointment and a really important and formative part of his surgical training was at King Edward Memorial Hospital and St John of God, Subiaco, in Perth.”

Prince Harry and Meghan’s baby is expected any day and though the duchess, far left, has indicated she is hoping for a natural birth — even a home birth is rumoured — medical experts believe a chance remains that the baby will be born in the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s where Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, inset with baby George, delivered her three children.

While Baby Sussex is unlikely to ever be crowned sovereign, the new baby will be a cousin to future king George, and the birth will therefore be closely monitored.

In a departure from royal protocol, Meghan has also reportedly appointed her own delivery team, including a female doctor to lead the way. Nevertheless, royal commentators say the presence of the Queen’s doctors — Dr Farthing and consultant obstetrician Guy Thorpe-Beeston — is still highly likely.

After his time in Perth, Dr Farthing became engaged to Jill Dando, the golden girl of the BBC. Tragically, she was shot dead outside her Fulham home in 1999.

He later married Dr Janet Stowell.

A look back at The Duchess of Sussex's pregnancy in pictures, from announcement to the blossoming baby bump.

The West Australian

VideoA look back at The Duchess of Sussex's pregnancy in pictures, from announcement to the blossoming baby bump.